# Takaichi has no right to criticize Putin over Iturup visit, news outlet says

https://mins.news/en/item/23807

- TASS, 2026-08-17 03:10 UTC
- World
- Original: https://tass.com/world/2173965

> The Strategic Culture news outlet said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had no right to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin for visiting Iturup Island. It accused Tokyo of supporting the Kiev regime and argued that Japan could not lecture Russia about hurting Japanese feelings. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi had earlier lodged a “strong protest” with Moscow.

## Related coverage

- [Russia protests Japan PM’s comments after Putin’s Kuril visit](https://mins.news/en/item/25076) — Al Jazeera, 2026-08-18
- [Russian experts: Japan's militarization hardens Moscow's stance](https://mins.news/en/item/25689) — CGTN, 2026-08-16
- [Putin visits Kuril Islands for first time, drawing Japan’s fury](https://mins.news/en/video/22490) — BBC News, 2026-08-14